Appalachian State University maintains an inclusive admission policy. With an acceptance rate of 83.08%, the institution prioritizes accessibility and opportunity for all qualified students.
Admissions Guidelines
- Inclusive Enrollment: Emphasis is placed on meeting basic eligibility and high school completion.
- Launchpad Policy: Ideal for students looking to build a GPA for future transfer or career certification.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem .
Appalachian State University Admission Requirements
Appalachian State University GPA Requirement
The average GPA of the admitted students at Appalachian State University is 3.96. This indicates extreme selectivity in admissions.
To have strong chances, you must aim for straight A’s in all courses.
If your GPA is between 3.66 and 3.96, then you need a high SAT or ACT score to compensate.
Appalachian State University GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Extreme selectivity; requires elite academic standing.
Recommended Strategy: High Course Rigor (AP/IB/Honors) to validate the grade.
Admissions at Appalachian State University utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3.96, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.
| Candidate GPA Range | Admission Category | Strategic Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| 3.96 – 4.00 | Academic Target | Maintain Rigor & High Testing |
| 3.76 – 3.95 | Competitive Match | Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation |
| 3.56 – 3.75 | Secondary Reach | Personal Statement & Impact |
| Below 3.55 | Institutional Reach | Requires Significant Contextual Factors |
Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics
- The Rigor Metric: At Appalachian State University, a slightly lower GPA (e.g., 3.8) in a transcript featuring multiple AP or IB courses is often prioritized over a 4.0 in a standard curriculum.
- The Upward Trend: If your early high school grades were lower, an upward trajectory in 11th and 12th grade demonstrates Academic Resilience.
Data Source: Verified via IPEDS and latest Common Data Set (CDS). Reviewed by our academic board led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Calculated via College Portal’s Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards.
Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
Appalachian State University SAT Requirements
Each school has different requirements for SAT and ACT testing. For the 2026 academic cycle, the landscape of standardized testing has shifted back toward Test-Required policies at the majority of highly selective and Ivy+ institutions. Following a multi-year "Test-Optional" pilot, data-driven results have led universities like Harvard, Yale, Brown, and the University of Texas at Austin to reinstate the SAT and ACT as mandatory components of the application.
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2025 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
Appalachian State University Average SAT Score: 1187
The average SAT score of the admitted students at Appalachian State University is 1187 on the 1600 SAT scale.
SAT Competitiveness
This score makes it less competitive for SAT test scores. You need to put average efforts to score 1187 on the SAT.
Key Insight:Aim for the 75th percentile (1270 SAT or 27 ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. Appalachian State University allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 1100, you must retake the SAT to improve your chances of admission to Appalachian State University. It is not strange to appear multiple times for the SAT to improve scores. Colleges don’t mind if you have appeared multiple times, but not more than 5 times.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 580 | 540 | 620 |
| SAT Reading | 605 | 560 | 650 |
| SAT Composite | 1187 | 1100 | 1270 |
It means that if you have scored less than 1100 then you are below most of the admitted students at Appalachian State University and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1270 or more, your chances of admission are higher. 25th percentile means that only 25% of the admitted students have fewer scores than this score. 75th percentile marks the score of the upper 25% of the students. View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1200
Can I get into Appalachian State University with a 1250 SAT?
With a 1250 SAT Score, your chances of admission at Appalachian State University are good but the admission staff at Appalachian State University tests your all-around personality and your academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission. You need to show better performance in all areas. An equally high GPA, taking IB or AP Courses and your role in leadership activities will increase your chances of admission. However, if you equally compete well in all other areas, your chances of admission are high.
Appalachian State University ACT Requirements
The average ACT Score at Appalachian State University is 24.
ACT Competitiveness
This score makes Appalachian State University slightly Competitive for ACT scores. You need to well to score 24 on the ACT.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 22 | 19 | 25 |
| ACT English | 23 | 19 | 26 |
| ACT Composite | 24 | 21 | 27 |
Can I get into Appalachian State University with a 27 ACT?
With a 27 ACT Score, your chances of admission at Appalachian State University are good but the admission staff does not check your ACT Score only. The College Admission process tests your all-around personality and academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission.
View a list of all colleges with an average ACT score of 24.Appalachian State University Profile
Name: Appalachian State University (Appalachian State University)
Accredited by: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
How much does a degree from Appalachian State University Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at Appalachian State University is USD: 20735. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Appalachian State University is USD: 14765
How can I get a scholarship?
27.08% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 39.04 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At Appalachian State University, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist it as your choice in the form.
How much a Appalachian State University Graduate make?
The average annual salary of the Appalachian State University graduate after 4-6 years of graduation is USD 51836. An average graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4-6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is USD: 40595
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Appalachian State University. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower than the requirements of Appalachian State University, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Arkansas | University of Arkansas, AR | 1167 | 25 |
| University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus | University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus, CO | 1150 | 24 |
| Fort Lewis College | Fort Lewis College, CO | 1147 | 22 |
| Regis University | Regis University, CO | 1149 | 24 |
| Western Colorado University | Western Colorado University, CO | 1154 | 25 |
| University of Saint Joseph | University of Saint Joseph, CT | 1170 | NA |
| Howard University | Howard University, DC | 1164 | 23 |
| Flagler College | Flagler College, FL | 1168 | 26 |
| Florida International University | Florida International University, FL | 1154 | 24 |
| Jacksonville University | Jacksonville University, FL | 1165 | 23 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Appalachian State University. If your SAT or ACT score are competitive for Appalachian State University, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Harding University | Harding University, AR | 1182 | 24 |
| Ouachita Baptist University | Ouachita Baptist University, AR | 1180 | 25 |
| Dominican University of California | Dominican University of California, CA | 1192 | 24 |
| University of Colorado Colorado Springs | University of Colorado Colorado Springs, CO | 1180 | 25 |
| University of New Haven | University of New Haven, CT | 1180 | NA |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Appalachian State University. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Alabama in Huntsville | University of Alabama in Huntsville, AL | 1259 | 28 |
| Birmingham-Southern College | Birmingham-Southern College, AL | 1218 | 26 |
| University of Mobile | University of Mobile, AL | 1220 | 24 |
| Samford University | Samford University, AL | 1227 | 26 |
| University of Arizona | University of Arizona, AZ | 1229 | 25 |
Degree Programs
Bachelor Degree Programs
- Accounting and Related Services
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Anthropology
- Apparel and Textiles
- Architectural Sciences and Technology
- Area Studies
- Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management
- Biology, General
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Chemistry
Frequently Asked Questions About Appalachian State University Admissions
Answer: Graduates of this university typically earn a moderate salary, $51836 annually, with some fluctuation based on the field.
Question: What is the tuition fee?
Answer: The tuition fee at this university is relatively low, around $20735 per year, making it more affordable for many students.
Question: What are my chances of getting a scholarship?
Answer: Your chances of getting a scholarship are good, with about a 50-80% chance. Scholarships are competitive but achievable if you meet the criteria.
Question: What is the acceptance rate?
Answer: The acceptance rate is 83.08 which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
Question: What is the average GPA of admitted students at Appalachian State University?
Answer: The average GPA of admitted students is 3.96. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.
Question: What is the minimum GPA required for admission ?
Answer: While there is no single 'cutoff' that guarantees a rejection, EKU uses your GPA to determine the level of support you need. If you have at least a 3.66, you're in the standard pool. If you are below a 3.66, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.
Question: What are my chances at with a 3.66 GPA?
Answer: If your GPA is 3.66 or less, it may makes admission difficult. However, your chances may improve if you have strong test scores, extracurricular activities, and essays.
Question: Can I apply if my GPA is below 3.56
Answer: While the average GPA of admitted students is 3.96, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.
Question: How competitive is the SAT score requirement ?
Answer: Admission to Appalachian State University is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1187 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 1100-1270
Question: Is it possible to transfer from another university?
Answer: Yes, many students successfully transfer to Appalachian State University each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
Question: How can I improve my chances of admissions?
Answer: To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.
Full list of All degree programs offered by Appalachian State University.
Data on this page is sourced from IPEDS, College Scorecard's latest data as provided in 2025, US Department of Education's latest 2025 statistics, Institute's official websites and printed material as well as additional publicly available sources.